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Saturday, June 30, 2007

The soaring cost of players wages must be a worry for Hereford United and several other League Two clubs as they look for new signings.

It appears that Tamika Mkandawire, who has moved to Leyton Orient, is to be paid twice that offered by Hereford United. At the time of the offer manager Graham Turner admitted that had Mkandawire accepted he would have become the Bulls highest paid player.

And Andy Williams, whose move to Bristol Rovers will be confirmed this coming week, is expected be paid substantially more than at Edgar Street. Sources say his wages will have doubled in twelve months.

Even in the Welsh Premier League a few choice players are set to earn close to £1,000 a week as the recent revelation about Jacob Mingorance of Llanelli makes clear. He asked for a weekly pay packet of £1,500 plus bonuses. The club didn't agree to his demands but made him a good offer to stay believed to be close to £1,000 per week. How they could afford to pay him close to that level is not known.

The latest (late season) average League Two wages for players aged 21 and over is around £50,000 per week according to the Independent.

Recently Graham Turner stressed the need to increase earnings to be able to afford the higher wages required. He also said that the size of the squad at Edgar Street will be a few less this coming season.

Last season the average size of the squad was 24 of which 6 or so would be younger players with lower earnings. Had Hereford paid average wages as defined by the Independent then the wage bill would have come around £1 million. To keep inside the 65% rule, turnover would have needed to rise to £1.5 million. At present that level of turnover hasn't been reached.

Turner is a shrewd operator but he will need all his wits about him this coming season if the Bulls are to have a successsful campaign. The club has to increase its income one way or another or face the consequences. And there are only a few ways to increase that income - from increased gates, from increased sponsorship and from transfer money received.

As the wage bill rises, the need to play attractive football and improve players for eventual sale will be as important as ever. It won't be easy.

Hereford United's former striker, Stuart Fleetwood, was made an offer by Brentford it has been revealed.

Fleetwood signed for Forest Green earlier this week.

"Brentford came in right at the death with an offer for Stuart but fortunately he'd made his mind up to join us," said manager Jimmy Harvey.

"I'm absolutely thrilled we've got him and he seemed very impressed with what (assistant boss) Jamie Pitman and myself had to say about the club.

"I don't think there will be many teams in the league with a better strikeforce than Fleetwood, Danny Carey-Bertram and Adriano Rigoglioso, plus we'll have Les Afful, Lee Dodgson and Paul Stonehouse as options up front."

Meanwhile Forest Green are developing their youth section. They aim to run teams for every age group from under-8's through to under-16's, as well as running two sides at under-18's level.

Torquay manager Paul Buckle has told the local press why he was keen to sign former Hereford United striker Tim Sills.

"I remember him from a match I had for Aldershot when he [Sills] was at Kingstonian. He bullied our two central defenders all game long, which was no mean feat because they were decent players.

"Terry Brown quickly signed him, and he went on to average a goal every two games. That's some record at whatever level you're playing at, and when you think he was there for the best part of three seasons it says a hell of a lot about what he is capable of.

"Now I am hoping - with the right club and the right environment - he can reproduce that sort of form again for us. You don't lose it overnight and I believe in him. I believe him to be one of the best strikers in this league."

Meanwhile Sills has spoken about the move.

"I spoke to Paul (Buckle) and I knew him before as a player and as a person at Aldershot. I had some interaction with him over the years when I wasn't there and he was at Exeter, and I believe in him as a person and I'm looking forward to getting to know him as a manager.

"I like what he's doing here. I think that the way the club has turned itself around in the close season, with the new ownership and sorting the problems out from last year, and with the squad assembled here, there's so much to attract a player here.

"I can't wait to get going. It's been a frustrating few seasons for me, so I'm really looking forward to this one. It should be a really exciting season."

Chesterfield have lost the services of striker Colin Larkin after he opted to join Northampton on a two year deal. Wycombe have axed three more backroom staff in cost cutting measures. Coaches John Granville and Keith Ryan and Youth Team administrator Nicky Chivers have been cut. The club have signed highly rated striker John Sutton, brother of ex-England man Chris, on a free transfer from St Mirren.

Morecambe have signed striker Matty Blinkhorn from local rivals Blackpool on a two year deal. He scored eight times in 12 games during a loan spell last season. Barnet have appointed former Chelsea striker Mark Stein as their new physio. Chester have offered a deal to ex Leeds and Nottm Forest striker Ian Moore.

Brentford have sold full back Andy Frampton to Millwall for an undisclosed fee. He spent five years at Griffin Park, clocking up over 150 appearances. Crawley have unveiled a string of signings with Guy Madjo, formerly of Forest Green and Stafford, of note to Bulls fans. How these signing are funded is a mystery, with the club still to settle £140,000 owing on their CVA, due tomorrow.

Bury have signed lanky defender Ben Futcher following his release from Peterboro. He again links up with ex-Posh boss Keith Alexander. Bradford have confirmed Wayne Jacobs as the assistant to manager Stuart McCall after agreeing a compensation package with his current employers Halifax. Boston's Supporters Trust has approached the FA regarding forming a new club, with the takeover still stalling.

Stuart Fleetwood, the ex-Hereford United striker, has agreed a one year deal at the Lawn according to the press officer of Forest Green Rovers. He is their first signing of the season and joins three other ex Bulls, Jamie Pitman, Danny Carey-Bertram and Mark Beesley.

"With several players he already knows, this will no doubt assist Stuart settling in; and with him over his viral complaint, I am very hopeful that he and Danny (Carey-Bertram) will become a formidable strike force in this season's campaign," commented manager Jim Harvey.

Forest Green are playing a friendly at Westfields on August 2nd. No doubt Fleetwood will be in their team.

Rob Purdie has spoken out on why he has decided to leave Edgar Street. In an interview with 'Nibbo' he reveals that one of the reasons was because of the antics of a small section of the crowd.

"I've achieved everything I came to Hereford United for and I'm looking for a new challenge

"The reason I didn't want to stay is I know that if next season doesn't go very well then I know I'll probably go through a hard time more than any other player because of what will happen to me. And that was in the back of my mind when I was making my decision because I don't want to leave here with bad memories. Which is what could have happened if I had stayed here and the fans had got on my back again.

"The people that don't agree with me - I don't think I'll ever be able to change them. And obviously next season if it's not going very well for me then I know that they will come out in force. I don't want to leave on that sort of cloud.

"As long as a player is putting in 100% - it might not work for him, he might not be good enough - I don't think they deserve to be booed for 100% effort. I find it very hard to take."

An audio version of the interview can be found on the Official Website.

The much anticipated departure of Sills from Edgar Street has been confirmed by Torquay, with the striker telling their official site: "Everything about Torquay is on the up, it's a good club, there has been a change in management and they wanted me. I've come down and looked at the area and it's a great place to be, down by the seaside, who wouldn't be happy!

"I had a few options open to me but I moved my family last year and it had to be right for all of us, the decision had to be right both on the football side and for my family. I am 100 per cent sure I have made the right choice and I am delighted to be here."

Manager Paul Buckle added: "I'd be reluctant to say we have got the best strike force, I'm just delighted with the players I have brought in. There is a good range of striker there and I have got faith that they will do the job for us. There is no decision made now on who will start the season up front. Whoever is doing the business will stay in the team I'm not keen on rotation and whoever is in form will play."

Sills has joined Torquay over the likes of Rushden, Aldershot, and Stevenage after scoring just twice in 43 appearances for the Bulls. He is the tenth Gulls signing of the summer, joining fellow ex-Bull Chris Hargreaves at Plainmoor.

More information is expected to be released shortly by ESG Herefordshire Ltd about how the Hereford United football ground will fit into their plans for the regeneration of the 100 acre site which covers the area including the livestock market.

Next Tuesday sees the launch of their plans at The Courtyard in Hereford and from then onwards residents will have the chance to look at and comment on their proposals.

It is understood that ESG is awaiting plans from developers working on behalf of Hereford United, so although the plans to be released next Tuesday reveal that ESG considers the football ground to be an important piece in the overall view of the area, the detail may not be available.

Karl Lewis is to train with Hereford United two days a week. The 20 year old goalkeeper is joining Bromsgrove Rovers this season. Earlier this week he was linked with Newtown of the Welsh Premier-League.

Bromsgrove acted to secure Lewis after their keeper Danny Crane decided to move to Corby Town.

Lewis had been released by the Bulls according to Bromsgrove Advertiser.

Hereford United's youth team will join the FA Youth Cup in Round One Proper again this season. The games do not have to be played on specific days as individual clubs can decide a suitable date but they must be completed by the dates listed below.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

ESG Herefordshire Ltd have produced a series of short videos which set out some of their ideas for the future of the Edgar Street Grid. They can be viewed on their website - www.esgherefordshire.co.uk/video/

The eight videos include some information about Edgar Street, but little of the football ground itself. However it is proposed that the Merton Meadow car park which adjoins the football ground will be replaced by two multi-story carparks both situated to the south of the football ground in what currently is the livestock market area.

Although not in the study area, one of the videos mentions the Courtyard complex opposite the football ground.

"We have had detailed discussions with the developer of the football club in terms of how they might bring on new developments on how they might improve their frontage onto Edgar Street and also onto the study area itself," said one of the contributers.

One proposal which will interest visiting supporters is that there may be a direct route from the railway station to the football ground.

Torquay have signed Exeter defender Chris Todd, their third signing from their local rivals, and Walsall forward Tony Bedeau. The Gulls have now signed nine players since their relegation.

Bury have announced the signing of former Lincoln captain Paul Morgan on a two year deal. Shrewsbury's out of contract midfielder Dave Edwards has signed for Luton, with the fee to be decided by a tribunal. Wycombe have signed released Leyton Orient winger Derek Duncan on a one year deal, and Gillingham defender Leon Johnson on a two year deal.

York manager Billy McEwan wants answers on exactly how much Setanta are paying for Conference coverage, mocking the £2.8million touted last season. McEwan will also refuse to wear a microphone as Setanta wants NFL-style coverage with interviews with subbed players as well.

Chester have signed winger Kevin Ellison for a 'club record fee'. Ellison left Chester for Hull for £100,000 three years ago, and has signed a three year deal. Darlington have signed Barnsley defender Neil Austin on a two year deal.

The Hereford United Vice Presidents Club will hold it's Annual General Meeting on Monday, July 16th starting at 7.30pm.

The meeting, open to existing members, will discuss the years accounts which has seen a record £50,000 raised for the club. The VP Club's committee will be joined by representatives of the Hereford United Board of Directors. Bulls News hopes to have a report about events shortly after the meeting.

There isn't expected to be much news for Hereford United supporters about signings and contracts this week. Whilst there is the June 30th date when last seasons contracts come to an end, the main reason is that manager Graham Turner is believed to be having a few days off.

In the UK most workers receive at least four weeks holiday. But for football managers, the job seldoms ends and it must be very difficult to fit in a decent break. Even then many managers will, no doubt, have access to a phone and the internet to keep up with developements.

Meanwhile Simon Travis is understood to have been in contact with Hereford United about the contract he has been offered. He is said to be considering his options.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Former Macclesfield chairman Eddie Furlong has been banned from running a football club by the FA. The ban follows charges last year related to the diversion of money over grants to build a new stand at the club.

Lincoln have signed veteran Scunthorpe striker Steve Torpey. The 36 year old has agreed a one year deal after spending most of last season playing second fiddle to prolific pair Billy Sharp and Andy Keogh. The club have also cancelled the contract of defender Paul Morgan by mutual consent with 12 months remaining. The club captain spent six years at the club.

Chester are set to sign winger Kevin Ellison from Tranmere after having a third bid accepted. The 28 year old is currently negotiating personal terms. Scarboro fans have named their new trust-owned club Scarboro Athletic, and will play in Bridlington for the coming season.

The recent issues regarding Bulls News sponsorship are looking like reaching a mutually agreeable conclusion. Whilst there may remain some differences of opinion on what is acceptable reporting and what is not, a conversation today has given hope that the matter of sponsorship can at least be resolved with the Hereford United Youth Team being the direct beneficiaries. The Youth Team are desperately in need of a set of track suits for the coming season and subject to agreement with the club, Bulls News has agreed to finance the £800 purchase. Representatives from each party are due to discuss the matter again early next week and are both confident of a satisfactory conclusion.

Colin Williams, the father of soon to be Bristol Rovers striker Andy Williams, has been interviewed by the Bristol and Somerset Independent. Williams senior is manager of Hereford United's youth team and has guided his son's career.

"I think Andy is ready for the move now," said Colin. "There was an opportunity to move to Rovers in January which we didn't take as it didn't feel right at the time.

"It really was touch and go whether we moved in January, Paul Trollope and Lennie Lawrence did a very good job of selling the club and offered Andy a great package.

"And you look back now and think Andy missed out on the chance to play at Wembley but it is swings and roundabouts. Indeed, there were one or two people I know in the game who said they were surprised that we didn't join Rovers then so it is nice have a second chance to resurrect the move and we couldn't turn it down a second time.

"If he had stayed at Hereford he would have probably found that their style of play made it harder to motivate himself. He needed a fresh challenge.

"Rovers going up to League One made a big difference. It is another step. up for Andy and he's under no illusion that it will be tough. We were surprised how much difference there was between the Conference and League Two and I'm sure there will be up to League One.

"Yet another attractive reason for joining Rovers is that their style of play and the way Paul and Lennie like to play will suit Andy.

"Paul and Lennie asked Andy where he saw his best, position in the team and obviously he wants to play up front," explained Colin. "I think he is a better threat up front. He has great movement and is a danger to big defenders.

"The issue has been discussed but at the end of the day you cannot go to a club and dictate where you want to play. That would be foolish. He's ready to move now though. He is very excited and really looking forward to the move."

Note: The quotes above are taken from a post on the Hereford United Independent Forum. A longer article appears in The Bristol and Somerset Independent but is not on-line.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Franchise FC (MK Dons) have announced a press conference for 11pm tomorrow when it is expected that they will name Paul Ince as manager. The Macclesfield Town boss and his backroom staff saved the club from relegation last season but Ince now seems set to leave for pastures fresh.

Supporters have understandably turned on the ex Manchester United and Wolves player, who was given his first managerial opportunity by the Silkmen less than a year ago. However, their calls of Judas may be tempered by a reputed compensation payment of around £50,000 from Winkleman’s pot of football gold.

UPDATE 8pm: The Official Macclesfield Website have confirmed that Paul Ince has resigned to take up a new post at MK Dons.

"I will always remember my time here at Macclesfield - this was where I started my managerial career - and I hope that our supporters will understand why I am moving on. We came here last October to do a job - to keep Macclesfield in the Football League - and we did it," said Ince.

"They (MK Dons) have significantly more resources for me to work with, and as I am ambitious to make it to the very top, I think I have to go for it.

"Would you believe it we are back here on August 18 (at Moss Rose).I will certainly salute the fantastic Macclesfield supporters when I come back on that day, and I hope that they will give me a good reception too. Wherever I finish up as a manager, this was where I started -and I won't forget that."

The idea of setting up a supporters trust at Hereford United has re-emerged this weekend. Backing the plan is long-time supporter Graham Johnson who is currently canvassing views as to its viability.

The first attempt to set up a supporters trust was in May 2002 not long after Graham Turner had asked for help in keeping the club afloat. It was also suggested at the time that Turner might have sold his shares and the hope was that a Supporters Trust could obtain enough shares in the club to exercise at least some control.

Initially a supporters consortium was launched. They arranged for a meeting to take place with a representative of Supporters Direct, a Government funded body which specialises in helping supporters form Trusts and take a more active role in their football club.

The meeting duly took place on May 10th. In essence it was agreed to investigate the possibility of obtaining as many shares as possible collated together under one scheme, which would include buying Graham Turner's share and investigating the whereabouts of many others. Eventually, the supporters would be in control of the club, running it seemingly as a not-for-profit organisation.

A second meeting was held in June. In the meantime a HUISA postal ballot had taken place backing the idea that a trust should be formed. It was agreed that a working party would be set up to organise the launch and constitution of the association. Eleven people were named and the party would disband on the launch date, when a new committee and working party would be set up at a meeting. It was hoped the launch would be within about six weeks.

It didn't happen.

So what were the aims of the Trust back in 2002:

- to strengthen the bonds between the Club and the community which it serves and to represent the interests of the community in the running of the Club.

- to acquire and hold shares in Hereford United FC and act as proxy to existing supporter shareholders, with the express intention of gaining elected representation from the Trust to the Board of Hereford United FC.

- to benefit present and future members of the community served by the Club by promoting encouraging and furthering the game of football as a recreational facility, sporting activity and focus for community involvement.

Today's reasons for looking at the formation of a supporters trust are somewhat different from five years ago. Graham Johnson gave Bulls News an over-view:

My reasons for looking into the viability of forming a trust have been re kindled following a posting on the hereford united independant fans forum,and subsequent requests for help in setting up a trust.

I attended the original meeting 5 years ago when the idea was first looked into, but it never materialised. Since then, our club has had a remarkable turn in fortunes that has seen a return to the football league and a healthy balance sheet. But what if things hadn't been so good? Who knows where we would be now? As they say, football is a funny old game, as supporters of Leeds United would testify to. And i don't think any Boston United supporter 12 months ago could have predicted which league they will be playing in next year.

So back to our supporters trust. Why wait until we have severe problems to think about forming one, lets get organised now and plan for the future. It means the supporters and the club actively working together for the benefit of both. We as fans know the club has financial constraints, but working together we could help eliminate problems before they occur and maybe increase revenue. We all know of the Edgar Street Grid redevelopment plan. What we don't know is when and how, but a supporters trust actively promoting Hereford United in the community and involving the community more in our club would help our cause when it comes to getting things moving on that front.

I strongly believe the trust is the way forward for Hereford United and if enough of you feel the same then we can get things moving. The only way to guage opinion is for you to reply, so please do so to the address below.

At the end of the day, it's the long term future of our club that is important.

Andy Ferrell, the ex-Hereford United player, has been telling the Express and Star about his move to Aggborough. Whilst on loan late last season he played one game for Kidderminster and picked up an injury.

"I spoke to the physio at Hereford and said 'I'm injured'; and he just laughed at me and said that I never got injured.

"That's what's so frustrating. I'm used to getting knocks and niggles but I always just get on with it - I've never really had an injury like this since I was at Newcastle at the start of my career.

"So for it to come so soon after I joined Kidderminster was stupid.

"I had offers from three other Conference teams and very nearly signed for another club last week. I spoke to Mark himself when he was away on holiday and he said he still wanted to get something sorted.

"It was a very good offer I had from the other club but when I spoke to Mark when I left, I told him I owed him something so I'm glad to be back.

"I want to get promoted - there's no reason why a club like this shouldn't be playing in the league and fingers crossed we can do it.

"I'll settle in really quick but it's even easier seeing as though I know almost all of the lads here at the moment, I don’t have to worry about settling in.

"I know it's a good club and a professional set-up and things are being done right.

"The stadium is as good as many in League Two and why shouldn't we be up there? We'll just push on next year and see what happens.”

The Bulls non-contract goalkeeper Karl Lewis has joined up with Welsh Premier side Newtown for the coming season.

Lewis, a former West Brom trainee and pet project of former goalkeeping coach Bernard Day, never played a senior game at Edgar Street while covering for injuries in between and during spells with Evesham, Willenhall, and Stourport. He signed up with Aberystwyth last October, but returned to Edgar Street in January for what was likely to be his final stint at the club following Day's departure from the club.

Meanwhile, former Bull Graham Evans was one of the recent Middlesex Wanderers touring party that has completed a ten day tour of Tanzania and Zanzibar. It was his second tour with the select party, having visited Japan with the club in 2005.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Rob Purdie has signed a two year deal at Darlington, according to the Northern Echo. Notts County have signed forward Spencer Weir-Daley from local rivals Forest. He spent two months of last season on loan at Lincoln, scoring five times in 11 games.

Woking chairman Chris Ingram has threatened, again, to quit the club unless development plans are backed. The millionaire has been supporting the club with £500,000 a season since arriving in 2001, and wants locals and the council to back development plans or he will pull the plug warning that the side will drop to the Ryman League.

MK Dons have extended their sponsorship deal with Marshall Amplification for a further three years. Locally based Marshall began sponsoring the side in 2004 following their franchise move from London.

Shrewsbury will release goalkeeper Ryan Esson from his deal if he wants to leave. The former Aberdeen stopper has been linked with a return to Scotland after an injury hit 12 months. Their Gay Meadow home also hosted it's last ever football match with a staff side beating a supporters side by a single goal in a charity match in front of 100 fans.

The bookies fancy Hereford United to win their first League Two game of the coming season against recently relegated Rotherham. The game takes place on Saturday August 11th at Edgar Street with a 3pm kick-off.

Hereford (6/4) Draw (9/4) Rotherham (7/4)

Meanwhile Hereford are currently quoted at between 33-1 and 50-1 to win the League outright. The Bulls are available at 16-1 for a top three finish.

With the news this evening that Rob Purdie is moving to Darlington, there are just three players (Wayne Brown, Dean Beckwith, and Simon Travis) left at Edgar Street from the squad that celebrated Hereford's promotion to League Two just thirteen months ago.

On that wonderful day at the Walkers Stadium the Hereford United line-up was as follows:

Manager Dave Penney announced: "Rob is exactly the sort of player we are looking for to take this football club forward. Although a midfielder he can play virtually anywhere on the pitch.

The squad is starting to come together and I expect the new faces to make a real impact. We've got some quality in the squad now and I certainly don't rule out there being more additions before the start of the season."

A contract length has not yet been revealed. Purdie made over 200 appearances in five years at Edgar Street, playing in a variety of positions across the pitch. He is the current Player of the Year.

Mid-fielder Sam Gwynne, who has signed a deal with Hereford United keeping him at the club for another season, is a 19 year old locally born player.

Gwynne was a recruit to the squad from the Hereford United youth team, which is associated with the Pershore College football academy at Holme Lacy. He appeared on the bench for several matches during the 2004-05 season and made one appearance in the GLS Conference Cup match against Northwich, which he started.

He made his league debut for Hereford in the 2005-06 season when he came on as a substitute in the dying minutes of the televised match at home to Stevenage. In the latter half of the season he was an unused substitute on a regular basis. He also captained the side in a Herefordshire Senior Cup match against Kington.

In total Sam has made 2 appearances for Hereford in all competitions. He signed a new contract in June 2006, however he was the only player in the squad not to make an appearance in the League or cups in the 2006-07 season. He has however featured for the reserves and in the HFA Senior Cup.

Former Hereford United defender Chris Lane is to join Conference club Altrincham.

This profile from the excellent official Altrincham website:

Altrincham FC have signed former Southport right-back Chris Lane on non-contract terms. Chris was born in Liverpool on 24th May 1979 and began his career, under the YTS Scheme, at Everton. In three years with the Toffees, he made 17 appearances for the reserve team. From Everton he moved, in 1998, to Hereford United in summer 1998 and made 57(+8) appearances for them. Southport's Mark Wright then acquired him for a fee of £12,000 in January 2001. After Southport had been relegated from the Conference in 2003, he moved up the coast to Morecambe in May, making his debut at Christie Park in August, 2003. The Shrimps released him in January 2004 and he next joined Leigh RMI, for two appearances, before moving on to Chester City in February 2004 as they went on to win the Conference title that season. He then went back to Leigh RMI in June 2004, making 40 appearances in 2004-05 before returning to Haig Avenue in May 2005, where he made 67(+4) appearances and was voted Port's Player of the Year last season.

Sam Gwynne has become the first out of contract Bull to re-commit to the club for the coming season.

The 19 year old midfielder has had limited first team opportunities so far, making a solitary Conference appearance as a substitute and a string of HFA Cup matches, but has impressed many with his ability.

His signing, and Andy Williams expected departure, leaves six players from last season in limbo.

Former Bull Mark Robinson believes his new club are more than capable of mounting a challenge for the Conference title next season.

Robinson, 25, joined York over a number of League sides as he wanted to be closer to his Guisborough home, but believes the club are capable of winning promotion: "I spoke to a few League clubs in the summer and then to Billy McEwan. We had a chat and he talked about the plans he had. They were really exciting. I saw how York got on last season and they feel like a family club.

"I have a 15-month-old boy and a fiancée and it was horrible (the time spent apart at Torquay) so I am over the moon. I can live back at home and that should influence the way I play because if you are happy off the pitch you'll be happy on the pitch. After watching York last season and speaking to the manager, hopefully we are looking at promotion this season. I don't see why we can't win the league.

"The manager has done really well with the players and the budget he has had so I can't see any reason at all why we can't go up."

Wycombe are axing coach Steve Brown after 13 years of service due to the need to streamline their coaching setup. The former Chairboys player notched up over 400 appearances for the club before moving to the backroom three years ago.

Torquay have grabbed striker Lee Phillips from neighbours Exeter, the second raid on the Grecians playing staff. Phillips, 26, joins for a £17,500 fee after apparently becoming frustrated at the squad rotation system employed at St James Park after starting just half the league games last season.

Accrington are now the landlords of the Crown pub near their ground. They will reopen the pub on July 1st, with all the turnover of the pub contributing to their wage cap budget. Altrincham have signed ex-Bulls defender Chris Lane on non-contract terms. Lane played 65 times for the Bulls, and was released by Southport following their relegation.

Bournemouth pair Marcus Browning and Karl Broadhurst have been linked to Edgar Street.

Browning will be familiar to Bulls supporters as a goalscoring forward but, now 36, is more of a defensive midfielder and could be lined up for the rumoured player-coach role. Defender Broadhurst, 27, played over 200 times for the Cherries after coming through their youth system.

Newly promoted League 1 club Swindon Town appear to be playing with fire as they continue to “flash the cash” despite still owing vast sums on existing debts.

The Western Daily Press has recently reported that Swindon Borough Council are still owed a “significant sum”. Councillor Nick Martin is still expecting Swindon Town to pay the debt they owe the Borough Council on time and in full. Under the terms of the Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) brokered in August 2002, a payment of £900,000 is due on June 30 for the club to fulfil their obligations. Whilst no request has been received to amend the payment timetable, Cllr Martin insists that any attempt to revise the deadline would be rebuffed by the council.Meanwhile, Swindon have apparently waved their financial magic roundabout wand to secure the £50,000 signing of Plymouth defender Hasney Aljofree on a three year deal, are closing in on a deal to bring former Swansea City striker Adebayo Akinfenwa to the County Ground and have arranged a not inexpensive pre-season tour of Germany.

Andy Williams has agreed terms with Bristol Rovers, according to manager Paul Trollope.

Speaking to the Western Daily Press, Trollope was hopeful of avoiding a tribunal to set a fee after agreeing a deal with the 20 year old: "We are looking to get the fee agreed, or go to a tribunal, and we want to get it done in time for pre-season. We feel he fits in to what we are about and is a young man with a bright future. We feel we can improve him as a player and he can improve us as a club."

According to the Official Shrewsbury Town website, Hereford United's home match against their rivals has been moved from Saturday, 12th January to Sunday, 13th January. The game is scheduled to start at two o'clock.

Last season, both games between United and Shrewsbury were played at mid-day on police advice.

Later: Wrexham Football Club have announced that after talks with the police neither game against Hereford United will be changed from their scheduled 3pm kick-offs.

After Wrexham police said they were happy not to alter our home game with Hereford United ...this move has been reciprocated by the police in Hereford

Dragons Secretary Geriant Parry commented: "I don't think anyone really likes having the games at midday on a Sunday, and thankfully the police were happy enough to allow the game to go ahead at the normal time. But they have said they will be monitoring the situation and it all depends on the behaviour of the fans."

Darlington have slammed the BBC for it's recent report on their finances, as reported on Bulls News yesterday. A club statement, that does not deny the size of the losses, reads: "The Chairman is an extremely wealthy individual and he has invested substantial amounts of his own money into the football club. He is happy to invest in the prospects of both the club and the town and his stated aim is to see Championship football in Darlington by 2010."

Chester are to sign striker Richie Partridge from Rotherham following his release by the Millers. The 26 year old former Liverpool trainee has scored just ten senior goals in 96 appearances, including four in 36 last season. Barnet target Kevin Nicholson has opted to join Torquay from Forest Green.

New Accrington signing Roscoe D'Sane has promised to score against MK Dons as a tribute for his AFC Wimbledon friends: "Hopefully, I get a chance to play against MK Dons next season, and I will be trying my hardest to score."

The takeover at Weymouth will be completed in a few days with concert promoter Mel Bush, father-in-law of manager Jason Tindall, becoming the new owner. The move follows former owner Ian Ridley's withdrawal from the race. The club have announced their first signing with former Southampton trainee Kyle Critchell, who played at Edgar Street for Torquay in December, joining on a two year deal after rejecting Dagenham and Shrewsbury amongst others.

Peterboro will not face further action over the 'fan' that attacked a Rochdale player at the last game of the season. The person was banned for life from London Road, and later received a three year banning order through the courts. Rotherham have signed defender Marc Joseph following his release from Blackpool.

Andy Ferrell has spoken to the Kidderminster Shuttle about his move to Harriers:

"One of the reasons why I came to Harriers is because I felt I owed the boss after I only played one game on loan for the club. I enjoyed my time on loan here and thought there was a good bunch of lads so I'm glad to have signed. There were a few clubs in for me but I knew about Harriers and had been impressed. They're a lot of similarities between Harriers and Hereford, they're both too big for the Conference.

"Russ Penn and Gavin Hurren are both good players and I'll be delighted to play alongside either of them. When I was at Newcastle I was quite an attacking player and scored quite a few goals but I was used defensively at Hereford. It doesn't matter where I play, if the manager asks me to defend, that's what I'll do.

"I've come with an aggressive reputation but the Hereford fans use to say I was a bite-the-legs type of player and they appreciated that. To be honest I'm a winner, I don't care how we win as long as we do."

This morning's Hereford Times says that Graham Turner has received some contact from the five senior players offered new contracts.

"Rob Purdie has been in to see me and I have spoken by phone with Dean Beckwith while Simon Travis and Alan Connell's agent have rung the office. But we have heard nothing from them in writing," said the Hereford United manager.

"We have talked with a dozen or more players over the last couple of weeks and there are offers on the table to a number of them. Now we are awaiting reples."

Meanwhile it is beleived youngster Jordan Fitzpatrick has signed a new offer with the Bulls.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

An article on the BBC suggest that Darlington will, once again, be facing up to a financial crisis in the very near future.

The article, published on Monday, suggests the club is facing a £2million loss in the current year as they struggled to even half fill their massive new stadium. The claims come despite the club spending a six figure sum on Julian Joachim from Boston and announcing hefty budget increases, pushing the total wage bill over £1million, for manager Dave Penney to work with in the coming season.

Darlington were brought out of Adminstration in late 2004 after it was nearly slammed into the wall by colourful former chairman George Reynolds. However on-field results have not improved and the club is now pinning it's financial future on a new leisure development on the site to include a ski slope and hotel.

The club itself has been silent since the article appeared, and fans are questioning the validity of the claims of an increased wage budget with the squad shedding ten players since the turn of the year.

Andy Ferrell has signed a one year deal at Kidderminster Harriers, following his release from the Bulls.

The competitive midfielder fell out of favour at Edgar Street, and joined the Harriers on loan in March but played just once due to injury. He last played for the Bulls the week before in a brief substitute appearance at Darlington.

Manager Mark Yates told their official site: "Andy is a player I admire. We managed to get him on-loan last season but unfortunately he pulled a stomach muscle early on - but even with his injury, his attitude around the place was great. That convinced me even more that he was the kind of player I want and he'll bring experience and ability to the squad."

A second manager has accused Paul Fairclough of abusing his position as England National Game manager. Jimmy Harvey has accused Fairclough over full back Kevin Nicholson, who is on the verge of leaving Forest Green for Barnet. Harvey told the press: "If he has been tapped up by Paul, then I am disappointed. I recommended Kevin for a call-up, and if that time away was used to get him to Barnet, then it's totally out of order"

Torquay have confirmed the departure of Richard Hancox. The former player, assistant manager, caretaker manager, groundsman, and coach is married to former chairman Mike Bateson's daughter who left the club following the takeover. Dagenham have signed Ebbsfleet defender Ross Smith on a two year deal.

Another non-league club of legendary status has gone bust. Enfield FC won the Isthmian League seven times and the FA Trophy twice, but a vicious ownership battle in 2001 saw the majority of fans, and the supporters trust, depart the club for a new Enfield Town club. Cardiff have reported a £1million profit for the season to May 2006, after recording a £6million loss the season before. The wage bill was cut from £8.5m to £6.5m.

Scarboro officially went out of business this morning, with debts of £2.5million.

The club, founded in 1879, was one of the oldest in the country but had struggled for years with debt problems. A club statement reads: "While it is sad to see the demise of a club with a proud history of 128 years, the club's finances have for a number of years been in a very poor state and the company has been in and out of various insolvency proceedings."

Rob Sadler, who is currently also working with Crawley, and Mike Saville of Begbies Traynor have been appointed as liquidators. A new club is expected to apply for the NCEL for the coming season, and will play away from the McCain Stadium until ownership issues have been resolved.

Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, has told Bulls News that he will not meet representatives of the website to discuss sponsorship.

"Bulls News is a vehicle for all the negative things surrounding a Football Club, particulary underminding our efforts to be successful," said Turner in an e-mail to Bulls News.

"It is of course everyones right to voice an opinion but the problems some of the contributers cause should not be underestimated. We would therefore be hypocritical , given our views of your site, if we accepted your offer."

Since its launch Bulls News has sponsored someone at the club but had decided not to continue with this practice for the coming season. However the site wished to discuss other possibilities including support for the youth team.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Rumours that Shaun Pejic may join Hereford United continue. The Wrexham defender is believed to have refused to enter serious contract talks with his club for the coming season. His current contract ends shortly and will leave him free to join any other club under the Bosman ruling.

6ft Pejic was born in Hereford in November 1982 whilst his father Mel was playing for the Bulls. Pejic senior still holds the record for the most appearances by any player for Hereford United. Over 12 seasons he made 523 competitive appearances, scoring 24 goals. Of these, 412 were in league matches where he also scored 14 goals. And he missed parts of his first two seasons at Edgar Street with injuries.

Wrexham manager Brian Carey hopes 24-year-old Pejic will sign.

"We've made him the offer, as we have to all the lads, so hopefully we'll hear back from him in the next week or so. We've got him until the end of June so we're just waiting for him to decide what he’s going to do, but hopefully he will be signing for us."

Father Mel spoke of his continuing affection for Hereford last December when Wrexham played at Edgar Street and Shaun was in the squad.

"I always remember Shaun running out as a mascot when I was there so it will be nice for him, playing at the ground where his old man spent most of his playing career.

"I have been back to Hereford quite a few times as a player and staff-wise, and it is always nice returning to Edgar Street and seeing some of the people who are still around from when I was there.

"I had some good times and thoroughly enjoyed it at Hereford. I would not have stayed there as long as I did if I didn't."

Bradford have sold Dean Windass to Hull for £150,000. The veteran striker would have been the highest paid player in League Two if he had stayed, earning £5,000 a week.

Barnet are chasing former England midfielder Ray Parlour, following his release from Hull. Parlour gained ten England caps but is expected to stay in the Championship. Stockport have announced a record breaking sponsorship deal with internet search engine Just Search. The two year deal will see the existing shirt sponsors shift to club sponsors to accomodate the new sponsors.

Bury have signed Steve Haslam from Halifax on a free transfer. The former Sheff Weds defender has signed a two year deal. Scarboro are still in limbo after the local council delayed a decision that could save the club. The council are to vote again on lifting covenants barring the sale of their existing ground, but have delayed the decision after deciding they did not have time to consult the taxpayers. The club face an already delayed winding up order tomorrow.

The Conference will remain the Conference after the FA vetoed plans to drop the name altogether. The BlueSq Premier will now be officially called the BlueSq Conference Premier.

Tim Sills has confirmed that he is in discussions to leave the Bulls, but claims he has not ruled out Aldershot.

Sills is bemused by the the reports from Shots assistant boss Martin Kuhl that the player is demanding too much money, telling the Aldershot News and Mail: "I've just got back from honeymoon and seen that report and I'm mistified. I don't see how any deal can be dead in the water when there was no deal on the table.

"I've spoken to Gary (Waddock) and I'm just waiting with bated breath to hear what's happening. It might be that I'll end up staying at Hereford, who knows?"

Graham Turner has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that on the day when several players were expected to make their intentions known to the Hereford United manager about new contracts, nothing had been heard from any of them (the five senior players) by earlier this afternoon.

However Turner added that although none of them had formally replied he didn't think all would be leaving. Talks might reopen with some of them. However he does expect Andy Williams to join Bristol Rovers.

Turner also said that he felt the Bulls will have a marginally smaller squad than last year.

"We would be looking at 17 or 18 of the more senior type of players who would be straight into consideration.

"But you've also got to keep room for one or two younger potential players to come in; that's when we have a look at them - in pre-season training.

"If we think that somebody can come in and improve, and has got potential, then we've got to have room to take them.

"I think that we've got a lot to offer players and we try to convince them, particularly the younger ones, that it's the right place to come to further their career."

Today is the last day for the out of contract Bulls to agree to the terms on the table from the football club.

Andy Williams, Alan Connell, Simon Travis, Rob Purdie, Dean Beckwith, Sam Gwynne, Marcus Palmer and Jordan Fitzpatrick are all still considering offers. Rob Purdie was due to inform the club yesterday of his intentions, but no news has eminated from the club about his decision.

None of the other out-of-contract players have been in discussions with the club over the past week, according to Graham Turner's recent interviews, although news is likely to be forthcoming soon over the status of the eight.

Dagenham and Redbridge are looking for turnover of around £1.75M during their first season in League Two. If acheived it would mean an increase of about 30% on last season. Although unconfirmed it is thought that Hereford United's first year in League Two brought a turnover of over £1.5M.

Steve Thompson recently appointed managing director of the Daggers was previously financial secretary at the club. He is well aware that his supporters will have greater expectations this season after promotion from the Conference.

"Now there's more people coming in than just our hardcore supporters and they quite rightly expect to be able to access the club shop on non-match days and be able to buy tickets in advance online," he told BBC Business.

"That then can't be staffed by volunteers because it needs to be a more permanent and structured environment and that's where we need to get in extra staff."

He is wary of Cup competitions.

"I always budget to be knocked out in the first round of every cup competition that we go into. I budget that we have a reasonable opponent, which gives me a little bit more of a margin."

Thompson hopes off pitch income will increase and also there is the possibility of a game being televised. But he realises that income is unpredictable.

The article went on to say that 'many clubs are trying to develop steady streams of income from non-football activities so they are not hit as hard by the changes that come from promotion or relegation.

'Dagenham's facilities are regularly used by such diverse groups as the Normandy Veterans Association, a dance school and bereavement seminars run by the clubs main sponsor, which is a local funeral director.'

Hereford United's manager Graham Turner spoke last week of his aim to increase turnover so that he would be able to compete for players. Whether the Bulls can reach a turnover of £1.75M remains a doubt. However if that level of turnover was reached Turner could have a wage budget of around £1.15M which would be around £400,000 more than the Bulls' last year in the Conference.

Despite being accused by some as being in the sticks, Hereford United has come out well in a survey of the most stylish football supporters in the League according to Brylcreem.

Reading has the most stylish fans in the country, according to the widespread new survey. Wigan (90th) and Blackburn (89th) were sent to the Conference as Reading took the cup in the Brylcreem League of Style.

In the first piece of research of its kind, Brylcreem interviewed football fans from all 92 English league clubs – 4,500 in total – asking them about their taste in everything from hairstyle, clothes labels, favourite drink and stylish holidays and nights out. Responses were graded out of 10 with a maximum points score of 60.

Hereford United fans came 13th in the League and joint top of the current League Two clubs.

At least two League Two clubs have already announced prices for supporters to watch their first round Carling Cup games which take place in the middle of August.

Stockport County will charge £10 for adults, £7 for concessions and £5 for children for their home game against Tranmere Rovers.

Lincoln City are playing at Doncaster and their supporters who have an Adult Season Ticket will pay a lower prices than non-season tickets holders, £10 as opposed to £15. Concessions will pay £8 and the under 11's £5.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Barnet coach John Harding has died after a heart attack. He previously worked with manager Paul Fairclough at Stevenage and joined the club last summer. Cambridge have sold over 1,000 season tickets ahead of the new campaign after offering heavy discounts to early bird applicants.

Mansfield defender Alex-John Baptiste will not be heading for Crewe after the club put a £250,000 valuation on the out of contract 21 year old. Chester have sold 600 season tickets for the new season, 100 short of last season's total.

News from Boston's open meeting today include reports that the Football League are still witholding £132,000 due to the club for last season, and that the FL had not confirmed whether they would receive the parachute payments due to relegated clubs.

The Unibond League has signed a deal to broadcast games over the internet. The three year deal, worth six figures, will see a free to view website offering highlights with pay per view games 'as live' for £3.95.

For the second season running Hereford United are not scheduled to have a game on Bank Holiday Monday August 27th.

Last year the reason there was no game was said to be because of International fixtures the following Saturday. This season the second round of the Carling Cup takes place that week.

Bank Holiday Monday has traditionally been a day when families watch games.

The last August Monday game at Edgar Street was in 2003 when Aldershot were the visitors. It attracted some 4985 fans who watched a thrilling match which the Bulls won 4-3.

Should Hereford progress to the second round of the Carling Cup and get drawn at home why not try to play that game on Holiday Monday. If Hereford miss out then why not bring forward the Tuesday evening November 6th home fixture against Mansfield assuming they miss out as well.

Whilst attendances can vary for different reasons, it's probable that a fixture on the Monday might bring an extra 1,000 fans to a game resulting in around £10,000 more income for the Bulls.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Nine referees have been promoted to the National List for the coming season. The youngest of the nine is Michael Oliver who with Colin Oliver becomes the only son and father on the list. Both have refereed at Edgar Street.

Below is a comparison of the adult away fans admission prices for League Two clubs. They may not include any special offers and must be viewed only as a guide. Some of the prices are still to be confirmed.

Mansfield have signed veteran defender Martin McIntosh on a free transfer from Huddersfield. The 36 year old is their third defensive capture of the summer.

Macclesfield have confirmed that striker John Murphy will leave the club after he rejected their offer of a new deal. The 30 year old scored nine times in 28 starts for the Silkmen after arriving from Blackpool, initially on loan.

Bristol Rovers will have to switch a number of games from their forthcoming Whaddon Road base due to concerns by landlords Cheltenham Town. Town want the March visit of Swindon moved for safety reasons, with the reverse fixture likely to be moved into its place.

Former Bulls midfielder Barry Silkman has been named as one of the 15 agents involved in 17 transfers that have not been 'signed off' by the Quest Report led by Lord Stevens.

Silkman played for the Bulls between 1974 and 1976, playing 28 times and scoring two goals and was a member of the 1975-6 Division Three championship side. After his professional career ended in 1986 he became a greyhound trainer and football agent.

His name crops up as part of a note regarding 'super-agent' Pini Zahavi who, the report notes, "has failed to co-operate fully with the Inquiry.

"There was an initial failure to disclose his involvement in a number of transfers but, more seriously, he has failed to provide the Inquiry with complete bank statements due to the confidential nature of them. There has also been a lack of responsiveness by Zahavi.

"There remain questions relating to his relationship with and payments to Barry Silkman (LA) and Barry Silkman's failure to initially disclose his involvement in all the transactions in which he received fees."

Silkman has denied all wrongdoing, telling the BBC: "It is an absolute total lie. A complete lie. Whoever he is, Lord Stevens, he is a liar. The people who have done this are liars.

"I co-operated 100%. I went to see them with my lawyer and showed them every single bank statement. They saw money coming into my account and money going out of my account."

The Report states that no illegal payments have been found but it has asked FIFA to further investigate a number of transfers involving Zahavi, including one which involved Silkman.

Danny Thomas has signed for Macclesfield on a two year deal after his release from the Bulls.

The former Shrewsbury and Boston winger arrived at Edgar Street in late January, scoring twice in 15 games. He impressed most fans with his early performances but latter displays were disappointing. He appeared to be in discussion with Graham Turner about a permanent contract, but was officially released at the end of the season.

Macclesfield boss Paul Ince told their official site: "I believe all good teams need to play with width and Danny certainly offers us that. He's got good feet and a turn of pace that will make it uncomfortable for defenders at our level."

Rob Purdie will tell the Bulls of his intentions to sign on Monday, according to the official site.

In part of a new interview with Graham Turner, it is revealed that Purdie spoke to Turner this morning and has indicated that a definite answer will be given on Monday. The jack of all trades is the Bulls longest serving player, making over 200 appearances for the club in his five year spell so far.

Meanwhile, the press speculation about negotiations over a fee for Andy Williams appears wide of the mark with Turner saying: "I've had no contact with Bristol Rovers so we'll have to wait and see."

Meanwhile, it is confirmed that Steve Guinan is on a two year deal with a small coaching element involved "along with one or two other senior players" in a move that suggests towards rebuilding bridges between the coaching staff and playing squad that seemed to collapse towards the end of last season.

Peterboro have failed in their bid to sign Bristol Rovers defender Steve Elliott after the player agreed a new deal with the League One newcomers. Worcester will play both Stockport and Yeovil in their pre-season build up.

Rotherham have signed midfielders Mark Hudson and Peter Holmes. Hudson, 26, was released by Huddersfield after 34 appearances last season. Holmes, also 26, spent seven years at Luton but made just seven appearances last season and spent a month on loan at Lincoln.

Ex-Bull Scott Goodwin has dropped down the divisions to join United Counties League side Wellingborough Town. Goodwin, 28, was captain at Southern Premier side Corby last season - two divisions higher. Chesterfield have signed veteran striker Steve Fletcher on a one year deal. The 34 year old spent 15 years at Bournemouth, scoring just over 100 goals in over 500 appearances.

Macclesfield have signed Boston forward Francis Green on a two year deal. The player is the third to leave Boston after failing to be paid for three months. He scored four times last season, going 25 games without a goal before netting in the final day match at Wrexham.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

With the gate prices announced today there are some good deals to be had, but some season ticket purchasers may wish they had waited.

With tickets for under 10's being advertised again at £3 - in advance - all season, anyone who has bought a season ticket for an under 10 could be at least £20 (after membership) out of pocket, and as much as £150 after the discount ends, with the announcement of the gate prices.

Even those children over 10 will save £63 (£42 terrace) on standard season ticket prices when the discounted period ends tomorrow by purchasing tickets on the day, which suggests that further reductions to the current child season ticket prices need to be considered to make them an attractive proposition.

However the introduction of free additional tickets for Adult season ticket holders will be a welcome boost to the value of the adult season tickets. This addition will give the holder an effective six games free, albeit through additional tickets for friends.

This policy had been adopted by a number of clubs during the latter period of last season to good effect, although none had openly advertised it with the season tickets themselves until the season was well underway.

The 'free' ticket games are likely to be low profile games and spread through the season, with Macclesfield already announced. Morecambe, the Saturday before Christmas, would be a likely candidate with money tight for most people at that time of year, while a cold January evening watching Barnet is unlikely to attract a throng of casual supporters.

Andy Williams met Graham Turner on Monday morning at Edgar Street and the Hereford United manager has told BBC Hereford and Worcester today that he thinks Williams will move to Bristol Rovers.

"I expect him to become a Bristol Rovers player. We had an offer from them at Christmas time. Whether that offer still stands or whether we finish up at a tribunal to settle compensation remains to be seen," said Turner.

"But I think he's off to Bristol Rovers. I think in all probability we will finish up at a tribunal to set the compensation level."

This seasons admission prices have been announced on the Official Hereford United website:

Terrace Prices

Adults £13.00 Senior Citizens £9.00* Children £6.00*

Stand Prices

Adults £15.00 Senior Citizens £12.00* Children £7.00*

*Member prices. All Senior Citizens and Children who are non -members will be charged £1 extra on the turnstile. Membership for the season will be £10.

In order to attract Children to Edgar Street prices have been reduced considerably from £13 to £7 in the Stand, and from £10 to £6 in the Terrace areas.

Pre bought tickets for Under 10's will remain at £3 for the coming season but must be purchased with a full paying Adult from the Main Office on the Friday before the Saturday game.

In order to encourage more support ADULT Season Ticket holders will be given a free guest ticket for 3 selected matches, the first being Macclesfield Town on the 8TH September. Details announced nearer the date.

The contributors to the site are pleased to note that recent figures show that the popularity of Bulls News is still on the increase. The last few days have seen over 4000 daily visits to the site. We try to offer a blend of news across football as a whole with the obvious leaning towards Hereford United and matters relating to clubs in the same league. Once again, the coming season will see us provide full match reports for every game. In addition, previews of each game and travel arrangements will appear 2/3 days before every fixture with the usual hint of humour. Where possible, we hope to continue to include the occasional interview along with opinions on most things affecting the progress of the team and those who support it. As usual, we welcome constructive criticism and suggestions via our Email address.

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